MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — Celebrity blogger and television personality Perez Hilton, whose real name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., is receiving help after the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a mental health crisis at his South Florida home.
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies received multiple calls Tuesday night that Hilton appeared to be harming himself with a knife during a TikTok livestream.
In the video, Hilton was heard saying things like, “This is what you all wanted” and “It will be interesting to see what happens after you die.”
“Mario, Mario! Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office! Step out of the house!” a deputy is heard in surveillance video yelling outside Hilton’s home in Westchester as they responded to the scene.
Deputies said they confirmed with family members that Hilton was alone inside and worked to safely de-escalate the situation. Authorities said he was transported to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital to be treated for his injuries and was then Baker Acted.
Family members confirmed late Wednesday night that Perez is able to communicate, which they said gives them hope.
A heavy police presence remained outside Hilton’s home from Wednesday morning through the evening.
Hilton’s neighbor, Dr. Maria Granadillo, told Local 10 News that she’s sad and scared for him.
“Obviously, you have a little bit of fear because, you know, as a medical health professional, if someone can do that to themselves, they can do that to others,” she said. “So, of course, I was a little bit scared, and then I was mostly concerned about him and the kids because I know there’s three kids in there.”
“We had no idea at all. I mean, they’re quiet people,” another neighbor, Raisa Gonzalez said. “I heard recently that he became a Christian, so we would love to speak with him if he sees this.”
The incident comes after Hilton shared publicly that he had experienced a serious medical scare earlier this year that left him hospitalized with an ulcer and sepsis for several weeks. In June, he also announced that he had relocated from Las Vegas to Miami with his three children to live with his mother.
“I was in a bit of a spiral, because I was overwhelmed with our move to Miami and I didn’t do these things that I know are good for me,” Hilton said in the June video, titled I Fell Off The Wagon – In Every Sense! BUT.
In a statement, Hilton’s representative, Golden Artists Entertainment, said:
“We are aware of the concerning content circulating online involving our client, Perez Hilton. At this time, we have not been able to make direct contact with him, despite our ongoing efforts to reach him. Our primary concern is Perez’s health and well-being, as well as the well-being of his family. Until we have confirmed information, we will not speculate or comment further.”
Hilton’s family also released a statement on Wednesday, saying:
“We can confirm that Perez is receiving medical care, and our family’s focus right now is on his well-being.”
Wednesday evening, Hilton’s podcast co-host Chris Booker called the situation unimaginable, writing, “The support from our listeners has been resounding. He is very loved. I can only hope he feels it. Heal up friend.”
TikTok has since taken down Hilton’s social media account following the incident, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office is using the incident as an opportunity to remind the public that mental health resources are available for anyone experiencing a crisis and encouraged people to seek help if they or someone they know is struggling.
Hilton, a Cuban-American, rose to prominence through his celebrity gossip website before expanding into fashion and music coverage and becoming a familiar television personality.
No additional information about Hilton’s condition has been released.
If you or someone you know is facing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Related media
Copyright 2026 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.
